Israel blocks construction of a key Gaza military base created by Trump's Board of Peace, according to a Guardian report. The project, awarded to Louisiana-based Arkel International, was meant to house 150 international troops as the vanguard of an international stabilization force. Two months after the contract was issued, Israel has yet to allow contractors or trucks to cross into Gaza, leaving the initiative in limbo.
Background: Trump's Board of Peace and the Gaza Ceasefire
The Board of Peace, authorized by the UN in 2025 and chaired by President Donald Trump, was formed after an October 2025 ceasefire in Gaza. It is central to Trump's claims of having ended the conflict, one of eight wars he says he resolved. The board's first construction contract, issued in early August, aimed to build a rudimentary outpost—a fortified position about 100 meters by 100 meters—to serve as a mission support site for international troops.
Current Status: Israel's Refusal to Open Border
Despite the contract being awarded, Israel has not permitted the project to proceed. A person with direct knowledge of the matter said, "Israel won't open the border." Contractors and trucks are not being allowed to cross into Gaza to begin work. Neither the Israeli Defense Forces nor the Israeli government responded to requests for comment. A Board of Peace spokesperson declined to comment.
Implications for Trump's Peace Plan
The delay raises questions about the viability of Trump's broader peace efforts in Gaza. The outpost was intended as a first step toward deploying an international stabilization force, which would help maintain the ceasefire. Without Israel's cooperation, the entire plan could stall, undermining Trump's claims of having resolved the conflict.
Comparison: Planned vs. Actual Progress
| Aspect | Planned | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Construction start | August 2025 | Not started |
| Troops to be housed | 150 international troops | None deployed |
| Contractor | Arkel International | Waiting for access |
| Border status | Open for contractors | Closed by Israel |
Key Takeaways
- Israel is blocking a key Gaza military base project for Trump's Board of Peace.
- The contract, awarded to Arkel International, has not moved forward due to border closures.
- The outpost was to be the vanguard of an international stabilization force.
- The delay challenges Trump's claims of resolving the Gaza war.
FAQ
What is Trump's Board of Peace?
What is Trump's Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace is an international organization authorized by the UN in 2025 and chaired by President Donald Trump. It was formed after the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire to oversee reconstruction and stabilization efforts.
Why is Israel blocking the construction?
Why is Israel blocking the construction?
Israel has not officially commented, but a source says Israel won't open the border to allow contractors and trucks into Gaza. This prevents the construction of the military outpost from proceeding.
What was the planned outpost for?
What was the planned outpost for?
The outpost, a fortified position about 100 meters by 100 meters, was intended to house 150 international troops as the vanguard of an international stabilization force to help maintain the ceasefire in Gaza.